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Villa fans had called for a mass umbrella tribute at the claret and blues' home match against Huddersfield on Tuesday in memory of the striker's goal celebration against Wimbledon in 1992.

But having turned down these plans due to health and safety concerns, Aston Villa have now announced plans for a minute's applause during the game instead.

Atkinson scored the opener in Villa's League Cup triumph at Wembley in 1994

There will however be a nod to Atkinson's iconic celebration with several members of the club's fan squad set to hold up umbrellas around Villa Park.

A statement released on Villa's official website read: "Aston Villa will pay tribute to our former striker Dalian Atkinson by holding a minute’s applause in the 10th minute of our match against Huddersfield.

"Atkinson holds a special place in our hearts after some memorable moments – including his goal of the season against Wimbledon in 1992 and his opener in the League Cup win of 1994.

"The 10th minute applause coincides with the shirt number he wore for most of his claret and blue career.

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"As an added extra, several members of our fan squad will hold up umbrellas at various locations around the stadium during the tribute to commemorate the fantastic celebration that accompanied his cracker against the Dons.

"Unfortunately, due to health and safety issues, fans won’t be permitted to bring umbrellas into the ground – but, with your help, we can make this tribute a fitting one."

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Meanwhile further tributes have been paid to Atkinson from around the footballing world on Monday evening.

The Football Association offered its condolences, saying: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former England B international Dalian Atkinson. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

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Real Sociedad also paid tribute to their former striker, who played for the Basque club for one season after leaving Sheffield Wednesday in 1990.

A Sociedad statement said: “Dalian joined in the summer of 1990, he was nicknamed ‘Txipiron’ (baby squid) and left an indelible mark on Real Sociedad fans who worshipped him. He will always be remembered for the 12 goals he scored in the 1990-91 season.

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“From everyone at Real Sociedad, we would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family and friends, on behalf of all the club’s fans, who are saddened by the loss of one of the most well-loved players. Rest in peace.”

Police survey the scene in Meadow Close, Telford, where former Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson died (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Ex-Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, who was progressing through the club’s youth ranks during Atkinson’s time at Villa Park, was among a host of former team-mates and players to pay tribute to Atkinson on Twitter.

Hendrie tweeted: “So sad to here the news about true villa ledge Dalian Atkinson. Always remember him taking me out in his lotus Carlton when I was YTS R.I.P.”

Atkinson netted 25 goals in 87 league appearances for Villa between 1991 and 1995.